I intend to post almost daily, and in roughly chronological order, the thousands of pages of daily love letters that my parents sent to each other during WWII and any other documents that pertain to these letters..
No mail today, but I didn't really expect any, having received two Wednesday. It struck me, upon rereading yesterday's letters from you that once again we were both thinking the same things at the same time. For instance: I had just mailed off the package containing some goodies for you and here you ask me to please send along some candy for you. And then you made mention of my weight, which I had discussed a few days ago. I think I've gained back most of the lost weight, for I have been managing to get a bit more sleep and my appetite is much, much better than it's been for a long time.
My dad took the radio over to another place last night and tonight I called to inquire about the cost of repair. This place will fix the radio for $6.50, which is two dollars less than Jack's friend wanted, so I told him to go ahead with the repairs.
This morning I asked Adele whom she had smacked in the face the day previous and she said, "Toopersteen". Can you beat that! She knows everything, but I do mean everything. I asked her what she did all day while I was working and she replied, "playing". I asked Adele if daddy can sleep with me and her answer, dear, is a very definite "no!" When asked if daddy can sleep with her and mommy she says "yes". I forgot to tell you that all but kicked Shirley out of the bedroom. See what you're up against! She's taking good care of me for you. I can't even sleep with a girl! She's Phil's daughter alright. Either she sleeps with me or no one does.
I made several calls last night. First I called Sylvia (Milt's girlfriend), who tells me that Milt wrote her that he was almost killed, that he is half of his former self (having lost so much weight) and that he is turning grey. I think he is in on the invasion of Hawaii, as he said he would not be able to write for a while and we should have a pretty good idea of why not. Then I called Mike, to wish them a Happy New Year and to learn that the moving pictures didn't come out. I was kind of disappointed, for they would have been beautiful, even though Adele and I didn't look well.
Mom, by the way, can't get anything for the old radio, for it is too old and no dealer wants to buy it. Mom went to the movies with Mrs. Frommer yesterday afternoon to see "Hitler's Gang" and liked it immensely.
Tomorrow I'm going to Miss Hahn's after finishing with Mr. Bellet, as she particularly wanted to have me this weekend. I don't do it often, so I'm making an exception this weekend, due to the fact that I have Wed. off. Gloria is coming late tomorrow afternoon and will be here Sunday night. None of us have given her her birthday gifts which we saved for this weekend and I’m also going to give her $5 in cash as an anniversary gift, having given the same to H. & G. on their anniversary and want to keep things even. Guess it's just about time to sign off with my familiar "I love you, Phil, my darling,” I’m still keeping our date, and so am all ways
I have reason to be very happy this evening. There was quite a bit or mail for yours truly, your two letters of Sept. 12 & 13 for which I hereby give you a big hug and kiss, a nice letter from Snuff, who tells me that he dropped you a few lines, a New Year's card from Fay and a letter to the family from our Jack with two pictures enclosed. Jack looks wonderful and writes an optimistic letter.
You ask about Betty's brother Abe. He was injured several times, (not seriously) and had a touch of arthritis and a similar breakdown as Eddie is having now. He's okay now, but you can see that he is still "far away". The family pay no attention to him and he does as he pleases when he pleases. He was in the hospital and a convalescing home for months before he was shipped back to the States.
Thanks for cautioning me about becoming impatient, but it is very difficult for me to feel otherwise under the circumstances. "Under the circumstances” will have to be left to your judgment, but each day is an eternity for me and I can hardly wait for the day when you will return. Phil, if only you knew how grateful I am that I am away from the house all day long - But I'd rather not talk about it now and I can wait, especially when I have to. It will make our reunion that much sweeter and closer and I like that.
I have an opportunity to go to Virginia with Ruth and the mother of a boy who is stationed with Seymour, so that we can all see the boys. This fellow and Seymour are very chummy, and being that his mother is driving down, she thought she would ask some of my brother's family along. My mom would care for Adele, thereby enabling me to make the trip, but I'm not very anxious to go. I'll let you know if I decide in the affirmative, but in the meantime I'll just drop the whole thing.
I had a very busy day again today, but I didn't mind it as much as yesterday. Mr. Bellet certainly did a whopping business these past two days. Harry is having trouble getting into the union and he got wind of the fact that his boss was intending to can him. He and Goldie have been discussing what he should do all evening and he may throw up the job. I don't care what happens - I'll just tell you, the outcome or the facts, as I always try to do.
The bench collapsed and I think it can be repaired if given a little attention. Mom is rather attached to that bench and hated to see it go. My dad and I dragged it around the block and put it in the cellar until such time as he can fix it or we can obtain a carpenter.
Diana is coming along nicely and is getting lighter of complexion and hair, though she is still much darker than our Adele. Adele, bless her little heart, is a regular little girl these days, although she did something very naughty today. She smacked Mrs. Cooperstein right across the face when Mrs. C. bent to kiss her, and what's more, she told me about it when I came home. She even showed me what she did and I gave her a good bawling out.
Not much room, but I always manage to leave a little space to send along some of the love and adoration that is yours, my sweet, and which is waiting patiently?? for your return. A hug and kiss from
Yesterday I got stuck on making out another report (on the order of the Company History), and worked most of the evening writing it up. That is why you received no letter from me for the 19th. Today I typed what I had written, but it is still only half finished. I'll have to finish it tomorrow, ’cause I expect to take off on a 48-hour pass tomorrow evening, and it must be done before I leave. My plan had been to go to London on pass, but due to the renewed activities of the buzz-bombs, I think it may be wise to wait yet awhile. Instead, I'll spend my leave in Colchester visiting the Woolfs, Dees and Marks, and seeing what shows I have missed (there aren't many!). Your mail of 13 Sep. arrived this afternoon, but it was rather short and uninformative. I am still awaiting your letters from the 7th thru the 12th. Today's letter informed me that you know where to get some pyrex bottles and nipples, that the radio is on the blink, and that you mailed off Mom's letter two days ago. Good, too bad, and good, respectively. You close by wishing me a Happy New Year. Thanks, Baby. Let's hope it will be a happy one for all of us. There isn't much in the way of news at this end except that I am now the company clerk. This is in the nature of a promotion, but actually, my status and work remain the same. The main difference is that I now have a man to help me. Haven't had a chance to write to anyone these past few weeks, Sweet, and although it bothers me, there really isn't much I can do about it. Please give my best to Dot, and tell her that I will write as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Still haven't managed to write to Milt and Syd yet, either, but expect I'll get around to it some time next week. Still waiting for Ed's reply to my last letter. Guess Jack N. is waiting for me to write, ’cause I've been expecting to hear from him.
Sorry, honey, but I'm rather at a loss for (you always say "of”) words myself this evening. I'll try to write while I’m on pass, but don't count on it, Chippie. Kiss my baby for me, will you, Mommy? (And you still haven't told me how it feels!) But I love you anyway, darling.—Honest! My love to all.
I started to type Sept. 18, cause I didn't write yesterday and then I changed the date to the19th, which is today.
Sunday afternoon as I walked out of the house to mail your letter, up drove Ethel, Al and family. They came to call for the high-chair, which Ethel needs for Stuart. Stuart is quite a big boy now, being almost six months old. He's a good-looking kid, with big blue eyes. Adele almost started to cry when Al picked up the high chair and put it into the car. She cried out, "Al, down,” meaning, put the chair down. Long after the car had pulled out of sight she looked after it, and kept saying "Al".
I gave Adele dinner at my mother's house and Ruth took over so that I could eat supper here. On my way back from my mother's I felt funny and soon discovered that I was unwell. No wonder I felt so badly all weekend, Goldie had a guest for the weekend - her girlfriend Shirley. (the one you thought. was so chesty in a snap with Harry and Goldie). She isn't half as nice as her picture led me to believe, but nevertheless she is a nice kid and she was my bed partner for two nights, One night we both jabbered until 1:30 A. M. about everything under the sun. She is the gal who was writing to Harry W., but now she is contemplating marriage within a few weeks.
Sunday night we had a delicious dinner and I got Adele to bed early. When I was finished I was pretty tired and relaxed in the easy chair for a short while. Then I decided to knit for a little while. I've finished the back of the pink sweater and have started the fronts. The family sat outside and I soon joined them. Mr. & Mrs. Frommer and daughter and Mrs. Feldman were aiso there and we chatted about this and that. During the evening the bench collapsed, for the leg on one side was completely rotted. My dad has promised to try to fix it for us.
Later that night Shirley and I gabbed away and so the next morning I found it difficult to get up, Adele was insistent that I give her breakfast, so up I got. I’m using her table and one chair in the corner where the high chair stood and it just fits. Adele loves the new arrangement. I put her food on the table and she eats it herself. Sometimes I feed her, according to my wishes. It's been rainy and cloudy all weekend so both Adele and I have had to stay in the house. I knitted a little while Adele played on the porch. She had lunch and we both took a nap. Forgot to mention that I had lunch too, I think I've put most of that lost weight back on. I've been making it a point to eat, even if it means stuffing myself.
I had a few letters yesterday. Yours of the 9th Sept., Eddie's undated letter (he mentioned having pains in his head and back and I wondered if you knew about this), a New Year's greeting from the Benises (I shall send one off to them and their folks) and a card from the Florists Association through which you sent us the flowers. They wanted to know if we received the flowers on Mother's Day, as they were making a survey. Many of the gifts did not reach the recipients on the special day. Your letter was very cute, honey, and were you here I’d simply eat you up - no kiddin'.
Last night I had a good time. I went in town with Goldie and Shirley to see a movie, I wore my tailored suit and dubonnet accessories and my hair looked very nice, thank you. We took the 10th & Somerville bus and changed to the subway. We came out of the subway on the corner of Broad and Chestnut and as we passed the Morris Bldg. I mentioned the fact that it was at this very spot that you and Len met me that morning we took out our marriage license. Every familiar sight as we walked along Chestnut St. to 19th - (Boyd) set me to remembering and I couldn't help mentioning several things. I felt a great longing for you all evening long. The picture, "Janie", for my money, was excellent. It was a light comedy and just the sort of picture I was in the mood for. It made me laugh quite a bit. I think you'd enjoy it immensely, in case you haven't seen it. After the show we walked to 19th & Market and stopped into a drug store, where we had sundaes. It was an extra special large chocolate nut sundae and I was having trouble finishing it. I remarked, "If Phil were here, he'd simply divide it in half and eat both his and half of mine". However, I determined to eat it and did. We took the subway and walked home from Broad St. along Ruscomb St., which recalled memories of our last visit to that drug store on York Road and Ruscomb Sts. (before we went to the Broad theatre) snd the many nights I had come arunnin’ to meet you when you were coming home from Ft. Dix.
Shortly before we left the house, who should call but Myra. She called to wish us all a Happy New Year, and, undoubtedly, to clear her conscience. I didn't get the chance to talk to her, but I called her this morning, as I wanted to tell her about my grandmother's death. Someday I'll tell you quite a bit about what had and has happened between Lil, Myra and myself and you'll have a clearer picture. I’d rather save it for some day, ifn’ you don't mind. I promised to see Myra in the near future and fully intend to.
Today yours very lovingly of Sept. 11th arrived I'm not mad cause you neglected to write on the 10th, “cause you took 40 thousand winks" instead of 40.
You asked in this one whether Adele pronounces the “r" in dear, Well, not exactly. Sometimes she does, and sometimes she doesn't. I forgot to tell you about this. Ruth took her to her girlfriend’s house one afternoon and there was soldier present. She ran to him, calling him daddy. When she got a good look at him she said, "Uh-uh" (meaning no). Honestly, sweet, I'm sure she'll know you.
Emma joined Phil in Georgia for the holidays. Etta came over for a short visit yesterday. She is very, very big and is due the end of October, beginning of November.
Miss Hahn called me several times, wanting to know if I could come to work for her, but I declined. I mean to get more rest, no matter what. I shall try to do some work for her from time to time, cause she is having lots of difficulty getting a steady girl.
Dot called and had the blues. She called Snuff long distance and almost wanted to join him, if he could get a place. She still might. Since I didn't see her this weekend, I am definitely going to see her this coming weekend,
Our new next door neighbors, Mr. & Mrs. Okrock (I'm not sure of the spelling) gave Adele a jumping rope. They are very nice neighbors and are in the fruit business. We walk from one house to the other through the porch as we did with the Feldman's,
The memory that recurred to me most during the entire night was the fact that three years hence you came home to me, with no strings attached (or were there?). Phil, I'm anxiously awaiting a repetition of that very same day and I hope it isn't too far off. I'm getting impatient for a change. It's really only my mood tonight, for I'm very anxious to see you at this very moment.
Mom received a New Year's greeting from Harold Adams, which was in the nature of a surprise to her.
Adele has reached the hitting stage and lifts her hands freely though I caution her frequently. I wish very hard that you were here now, for there are times when I feel my strength to keep up with her will give out, She's fresh, too, sticks her nose up in the air and says a very definite "no"! Ethel thinks her only fault is her features is her nose. Too broad is Ethel's conclusion, but cute at that.
Rae is here for dinner this evening and, as is usual, sends her best regards..
Sarah painted Adele's fingernails with red polish this afternoon and Adele still can't get over it. She's a real woman alright! Yeh man!
Adele and I filled the penny bank to the top with pennies, nickels and quarters and this afternoon Adele helped me get them out. I'm going to change them in for defense stamps and start another bond.
I literally rushed through this letter, honey, So you'll have to forgive any technical errors. I wanted to write a long letter, as I've been writing v-mails all week, so I hope I'm forgiven. You asked me to write of particular memories in connection with sex, in a recent letter. I don't think I shall ever forget the first night you wanted to show me "how". I was dead sick with fright, but I wanted to cause I knew how much I loved you. I was never sorry. On the contrary, I'll use one of Adele's phrases, "Oh Boy !" And do you recall one night when I wore nothing but my coat? And do you recall how we spent Sunday mornings when you came in on pass from Ft. Meade; not once, not twice, but three and more times! And once when we had the radio to accompany us! Oh, Phil, darling, the best days of our lives are slipping by unnoticed. Of course there will be others, but this part of our youth is most important. I regret that more than anything, though more so for you.
I love you, darling husband, and exist only for the day that you will return to me and be home or "home" once more (don't tell me which “home" you would prefer - I'm sure I know) and before I just fly straight to you for want of you, I sign off as usual
Your Eve
September 19, 1944
Dear Phil:
Sorry I didn't write sooner, but I hope you'll understand. I came home from the shore September 9th and I bought Adele a lot of things. I bought her a pair of dubonnet corduroy jodhpurs and a powder blue long-sleeved polo shirt to go with them. Also a white blouse with a square neck with eyelet lace around it. There are four tiny buttons in the front, but it really buttons down the back. I also bought her a reversible doll. You see a little white doll’s face and a real long flowered skirt, and when you pick the skirt up you see a little colored doll with a different flowered skirt on. The idea is real cute and I think it is one of the most original I ever saw. I went back to school last week and I now have five majors, and physical education and hygiene are my only minors. I have biology, bookkeeping, modern history, English and practical math. The teachers I have seemed very nice, and I hope I can say the same about them at the end of the term. While I was down the shore, my brother Sy came down for a few days. We took some studio pictures and snapshots together and they came out very nice. A week after Sy went back to Philly, Shorty came down for a few days, too. In all, I had a swell time down there and I hope I can go again next year. But with the family, of course I was glad to hear you were able to see Eddie and I only wish you could get to see him more often. But as you said in one of your letters, you have no choice in the matter. I had that picture that Eddie sent home made into an 8’ x 10”. I intend to have it colored soon if it's possible. I'll send you a picture of Sy and me as soon as I have more made. At the present moment, Sy has all of the pictures, so I'm going to order more for myself. Sy by the way, called us up Saturday, (September 16th) and he may be home in two weeks on a forty-eight hour pass. He's on the battleship New York somewhere in the States and he expects to remain on this side until December. Eve probably wrote you about everything else, so I guess there's nothing more to write. I’ll close now with love and regards from all.
Love and Kisses,
Ruth
P.S. I bought you a box of salt water taffies but Eve’s enclosing them in one of her packages to you. Let me know when you receive them.
September 19, 1944
Dear Phil,
I don't remember who owes who what, but here I am again. Since Snuff went away, I'm way behind in my correspondence. I know you'll understand.
I spoke to Evvie today and she promised to meet me in town some night. For my 21st birthday, all the girls are going to a show and a nightclub. We’re just big shots.
I registered to vote yesterday. It will be my first time. Phil, What are the fellows views on who should be President? I know I'm casting mine for Roosevelt. After all, he has been in since I'm nine years old.
I saw some very good pictures lately. “Janie,” “Wilson,” “Mr. Sheffington,” and “She Loved a Soldier.” They were all entertaining. I put a call through for Snuff last night and it was really good to hear his voice. If I continue feeling like I do, I'll probably join him. Of course I hope to be able to hold out until he finishes his basic, which will be around the first of the year.
I have been playing quite a bit of gin rummy lately, and I really enjoy the game. My luck hasn't been too good, but I'm hoping for a change.
I'm enclosing some pictures of the baby and I hope you like them. Of course I'm prejudiced. But he really is a doll. He still has platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. He has features like girl. He's really quite smart and picks up things rapidly. There isn't much more news now, so I'll close and please write soon.
Believe it or not I finally got your package off today! I had to rewrap it no less than three times to get it to the right size and weight and finally had it wrapped in our place. I sent off the package of salt water taffies Ruth brought you alone. The larger package contains the following: six pyrex bottles, a half dozen nipples, a rattle for Nigel (my own, if you please) (gift, I mean), two rolls of life savers, a pack of chewing gum, two peanut chew bars, a box of chiclets and a milky way for you. I thought It time I gave you a break. I'm relieved that the package is in the mail and I wish you'd advise the Woolfs that the bottles are on the way. Here's hopin' they arrive in good condition. I believe this package is wrapped better than any I ever sent you - that's cause I didn't do the whole job myself. The colored fellows in my place fussed over it and did all they could to do the job right to please me.
Here's a bit of news - Remember Renee and Meyer - well, Renee is pregnant - about four months of it I believe. Guess we'll all have kids by the time you get back. (I should have said they'll). I'm so darn tired I don't know what I'm saying. We were very busy, due to the four day holiday, and I was rushed all day at work. I don't ever remember being rushed so and I'm very anxious to get to bed.
Adele shocked my mom with the following: She was eating her lunch and my mother let her eat it alone. When Adele finished the first course and my mother gave her her dessert, she reached to take the spoon from Adele and give her a clean one, saying "Adele, you can't eat with the dirty spoon, Nanmom will give you another". Adele merely replied "Nanmom, vass it". My mother couldn't believe it came from her. As you can see, sweetness, our darling daughter is using simple sentences.
I rode to work with Anne Cohen this afternoon (Phil's old flame) and she looks like a million. She certainly has become a regular glamour gal.
And now, if’n you don't mind, honey, I'll take my leave of you, not, however, til I've told you once more what I've been telling you these many years - that I adore you, baby mine - and that adoration grows and grows and grows. Today we are married exactly three and a half years, but, strangely, I don't feel as if I were ever married. You can't feel very married being 14 months away from your hubby at that. Oh well, there'll come a day -
The news gets better and better and I follow it closely. I could discuss many topics with you, but we'll have to save them for "some day". In the meantime I'll say goodnight, darling, I am
Your Eve
P.S. Fay’s hubby was shipped directly to France.
P.S. Mike’s daughter was born in January of this year.
18 September 44
Ev, dearest,
Just returned from town to find your most welcome letter of 5 Sep. awaiting me. Klein and I, and five other fellows of the base were taken in via truck to attend the Rosh Hashanah services. They were held at the chapel of the garrison in town. Chaplain Richards, of the British Army, officiated. The worshipers were almost entirely service men and women of three armies, American, British and Canadian, but the great majority of the congregation were American soldiers and officers. We far outnumbered all the rest put together. There was also a sprinkling of civilians, mainly Mr. Dee and his sons and brothers. The service was of about an hour's duration, and was half in English and half in Hebrew. Not a bad idea, cause the English explains the Hebrew, and its a novelty to understand what you are saying. I never could see the sense in praying in a language understood only by a few scholars. Afterwards, we went along with the Dees to their home. The table was already set when we arrived. The women were waiting for us. Of course, Klein and I were unlooked-for guests, but there was enough food for all, and just enough room at table. After a few drinks (muscatel, scotch, gin) there were herring, cucumber, and tomatoes for an appetizer and buttered baigel. The meal itself consisted of fish croquettes, mashed potatoes, pickles, etc. Then, the ever present tea, and home-made cookies that were exactly like Mom used to bake on the Holidays. After supper, the Dees proceeded to entertain themselves and everyone else, as is their custom. My partner at table was a young English soldier, who lives in London, has a wife and 3-year old daughter, and was getting his first leave in six months the following day. He is a versatile musician, playing both the piano and violin, and possessed of a very fine, immensely powerful tenor voice. He had brought along his own violin, and played for us. I myself, didn't care for his style (he was too careless and rough with his bowing, but he played swing, which is something I never could do on the violin, The Dees, as per usual, were a show all by themselves. Ginger, Mr. Dee's kid brother (200 lbs, and short and red-haired), was home on a ten-day leave from his regiment and played the piano and sang in a husky baritone. Mr. & Mrs. Dee jitterbugged, tangoed, sang, and raised hell generally. Klein just raised hell generally. Yours very lovingly fiddled around with the fiddle and found he was very rusty, indeed. (I've been trying to get hold of a violin around here for a few months now, but only yesterday did I succeed in finding one. It belongs to a Cpl. on the base here, and he has promised to loan it to me. Now - if I could only find the time—!). Anyhow, a swell time was had by all at the Dees’, as you may well imagine. They are positively the happiest, merriest family it has ever been my pleasure to know. They are truly wonderful. I wished so much, Chippie, that you were there to see them! At 11:30, Klein and I left them, albeit reluctantly. We spent the night at the Red Cross Club, arose early next morning (today), breakfasted at the club, and set out for the garrison chapel again. We attended services from 10:00 A. M. 'til 12:30, when we had to meet the truck that was to take us back to camp. Today, everyone showed up. Bert and his father, Mr. Marks and the kids, the Dees—all were there, but we only had time to say hello and cheerio to them. Where we arrived at the mess-hall, dinner was over, but the mess-sergeant told us to help ourselves to the ham, baked beans, mashed potatoes and coffee, which hadn’t been put away. We rushed thru the meal so that we might be in time for the matinee showing of "The Sullivans" at the base theater. It was a swell picture—one I enjoyed thoroughly. It is at once human and inspiring and more than a little disturbing—emotionally, I mean. We came out to find the sky full of the planes and gliders of the 1st Airborne Army. It was, without a doubt, the most thrilling sight I have ever seen. More than anything I have ever seen, it symbolized the might of our country, and the sight filled me with pride and gratitude that I am an American.
Well, Chippie mine, that's about the size of it. I returned to barracks, changed, and spent what little remained of the afternoon around the Orderly Room. Excuse me while I beat the ears off Nicholson, who has been pestering me to play some ping-pong.
So long, Baby. Don't forget—I love you! My love to the punkin—and all.
Always,
Your Phil
P.s. My address has been changed. The new APO is 559. Event else is the same.
Last night after I mailed your letter I stopped over to see Helen. She wasn't home, so I jabbered with Mrs. Breslow a while. I also forgot to tell you that Jean asked for overseas duty, took her overseas physical and is expecting orders to ship out most any day now. Who knows! You might even run into her one of these days. I got to bed about 10:30 and had a good night's rest to get off to a good start. I mean to get plenty of rest these couple of days. The weather today is lovely and it makes we wish very much that you were here to help me enjoy it. I did very little of any consequence today, a little washing, a little sewing, a little cleaning, etc. Adele is all decked out in her yellow pinafore and accessories and looks very pretty. Her hair is very long and I'm able to make curls all around. I expect them to hang on her shoulders in a few months, and perhaps you'll get to see them yourself by then. I'm wearing my brown slack outfit so that I can lazy it. I'm in need of several dressy dresses, honey, and if you don't get home soon, I'm going to have to buy them without you. Since I started to work I find that I need many, many things. I didn't need in the line of clothes before and there's no time like the present to get them. I enjoy clothes more if I know they please you, sweet. Adele likes to talk on the telephone and she'd amaze you with her ability to carry on a conversation. She called my mother (I dialed) and she said "Hello, Mommom". My mother asked her if I were nearby and she replied, "yes". It is the Eve of the New Year, the year in which we hope to be reunited forevermore. I hate to rush my life away, but this is one time I don't mind. I adore you darling, and am lovingly
Your Eve
17 September 1944
Dearest Darling,
Only have time to get off a few lines tonight. Klein and I are going into town to attend Rosh Hashanah services. Happy New Year, darling. May the next one be a happier one for all of us. May it find us re-united once more for all time. My love to the punkin, and a "gut yontev” to all the family. My dearest love to you, Sweet.
No mail again today and so I'm looking forward to Monday already. I wasn't going to write this evening, but don't want to skip, especially when I have the opportunity to write. I went to work this morning and worked my usual four hours. I felt sort of weary all morning and when I boarded the subway I had a recurrence of that severe pain in my shoulder. It became so painful that I acquired a throbbing headache and by the time I arrived home I was no good for anything. It's due in large part to the fact that I am "due" again and it seems as though I always feel this way just before the big moment. I had some lunch and hit the sack for almost three hours. Ruth was good enough to take care of Adele all afternoon. When I awoke I still had a terrible headache, but I made up my mind to get up and soon after it disappeared. I feel much better now, but I think I'd feel lots better if you were here with me. I miss you so much, sweet, and the lack of mail doesn't do me one bit of good. Due to all this, the package didn't get off, but it is all made up and will go off first thing Monday morning. Last night, before I went to bed, I started on another sweater for Adele. I'm using the pink wool Dot bought for me last year and I'm making the same style sweater for her that I made for Stuart, the one Ethel was so crazy about. Neither my dad nor I have had an opportunity to do anything about having the radio repaired, but it will be tended to first thing this week. I also have next Wednesday off due to the holidays. At least I'm getting an opportunity to rest up, which isn't doing me a bit of harm. I brought home three midget autos with rubber tires for Adele, the kind you give a shove and they travel quite a bit on their own. Room for a goodly portion of my love for you, darling and even room for
Your Eve
16 September 1944
Darling Evvie,
Haven't written since the 13th. The reason is that I went on pass on the 14th and didn't get back 'til late last night. I am scheduled to go on 48-hour pass on the 21st, so this one was in the nature of being an impromptu leave. My reason for taking it was two-fold. Sgt. Murphy needed a pair of his trousers altered, and I had to have my insignia put on my new blouse. You see, Sweet, I have been planning to spend my 48-hour leave in London, and I wanted to get my blouse fixed up for the occasion. There was quite a bit of sewing to be done on it, and even if I could have done it neatly myself, which I couldn't have, it would have taken me a coupla evenings that I can't spare. Nappy (my bunk-mate) and I went into town on the liberty-run truck, arriving there about 7:15 P.M. I called the Woolfs to see what was cooking, and talked to Aunt Til and Evelyn, who told me that Bert was in London on business, but was expected back that evening, and why didn't I stop over? So Nappy and I hopped a cab and rode over there. Bert was already home. We killed the evening gabbing about this and that and the other thing, had a snack of sandwiches, coffee and cake, and, when it got late (11:30), went to the Red Cross Club to spend the night. Early next morning we rose, breakfasted, and browsed around the town and the Castle park for about two hours. It was only the second time Nappy had been to town, and he was all eyes, He had to see everything in all the shop windows, and after some altercation between us, talked me into going into the Woolworth's 5 and 10 (yes, they have them over here) to browse around. While browsing, some sweater "instructions" caught my eye. I got to thinking how nice you would look in a few of the styles, and picked out some of the most attractive ones to send along to you. They are a bit too bulky to include in one letter, so I'll send them separately in my next few letters. Hope you like them well enough to make them, Sweet. After Nappy had his fill of looking around, we went across the street to Bert's shop, where I proceeded to buy the following: An 8th Air Corps patch, shiny brass buttons to replace the plastic ones on my blouse, service ribbons (Good Conduct, ETO, and Pearl Harbor), a hash-mark (3 years' service), overseas stripes (one for each six months), and the 8th Air Corps brooch for Mom, which I am enclosing. Then Bert gave us the address of a tailor, who is a buddy of his. He's a fellow in his middle thirties, has a wife about the same age, and three kids: Helena, 7, Carol, 3, and Butch, 4 (all good-looking and smart as whips). Mr. and Mrs. Marks received me as a "lantsman” and went out of their way to be accommodating and friendly. While Mr. Marks was busy sewing my stuff, Mrs. Marks engaged me in conversation. Nappy noticed a few British-type battle-jackets laying around, and we proceeded to try them on, and buy them. This type of jacket is much sought-after over here 'cause they are neat and dressy, and I was tickled to be able to get one. Mr. Marks wanted me to accompany him to the Dees', where there was a card-game scheduled that night. I was just itching to go, (I can just hear you saying I’ll bet you were!), but Nappy doesn't play cards, and I didn't feel right about deserting him, so I told Marks "another time". Nappy and I went to the movies to see "His Butler's Sister". Yes, I know I saw it before, but this is one of the best she ever made, and I enjoyed it immensely the second time. For that matter, I guess I could see that particular picture a third and fourth time - and still enjoy it. Lady, I guess you know when I like something, I do so whole-heartedly - and I sure do like Deanna Durbin, She pleases both the eye and the ear, and as far as I am concerned, very much so. Which reminds me - I never did get around to telling you how much I enjoyed "Gaslight", did I? It is a brooding, suspenseful, dramatic sort of picture that gives full scope to the unlimited and truly wonderful histrionic abilities of both Boyer and Bergman. They are altogether vital, alive, real, and convincing in their respective roles. For once, Bergman, the incomparable Ingrid, has a foil worthy of her talents in Boyer, who is simply superb in this. In a word, a picture to be seen and remembered. Now, where was I? Oh yes, after the show we groped our way through the moonless night to the Marks' place. We found Mrs. Marks in the living room, listening to a radio mystery while she worked on a jacket. Having about an hour to kill before we had to start back, we settled down to listen to the radio. Soon everyone was volunteering their opinion of the murderer. Not to be outdone, and having good reason to believe that the guilty one was the maid, I also volunteered my guess. Two British soldiers had dropped in to visit, and they added their expressions of disbelief to those of Nappy's and Mrs. Marks, who were convinced that the murdered woman's husband was the culprit. Of course, Chippie, you have guessed the outcome. It was the maid, alright. Mrs. Marks served coffee and cake and we talked small talk until it was time to go. We walked about a mile to the R.R. Station, where we boarded the truck that took us back to camp. On the truck, I ran into Red, who was returning from a pass in London. He has a gal there who must like him very much, ’cause he confided to me that she virtually proposed to him. Unfortunately for her, Red isn't having any. And that just about covers that!
This morning, on reporting to the Orderly Room, I hoped there would be some mail awaiting me, but no such luck - nary a one - from anyone. There were a few things to be done. Just enough to keep me occupied. This afternoon there were a few other things to take care of. I started this just after supper. It is now just 7:50 - and I'm just about written out. The picture at the base theatre is "Cabin in the Sky, one I saw a long time ago. I haven't quite made up my mind whether I want to see it again or not.
So long for now, Baby. The "sweater" I am enclosing is my favorite of the four. I think it would look well in pink, with black trimming, or black with red trimming. How's about it, Sweet, will you please your old man by making it?
Give the brooch to Mom with my love and my earnest wish that she wear it in the best of health.
One of these days I'll find something worthy as a gift for Adele. Until then, just kiss her for me. My love to all, but especially to you, my darling. I love you, Baby.
Always, Your Phil
Sept. 16, 1944
Dear Family,
It's been two weeks since last heard from any of you. To be frank, I’m worried. I do so hope that you are all in the best of health. I’m still in the best of health and getting along O.K. It seems that the mail is being held up for some reason or another and I hope that tomorrow I shall receive a letter or letters from you. I really have nothing of interest to write about as nothing of interest ever happens here. A reply to my letter to Phil which I wrote about a month ago is still to come and I am very anxious to hear from him. I've mentioned in a previous letter that I wanted a picture of Phil for he’s the only member of our family of whom I don’t have a picture of so please oblige. We are having our laundry done for us again and believe me - I’m glad. Gloria wrote me that the rumor about Harry Weiman was only a rumor which was passed on to her by Rose Genshaft - I mean Rose Drucker. Well, folks time to hit the mattress - yes we still sleep on those things - My best to all.
